Politics & Government
Upper Saucon Parks and Rec Hear Plan for Possible Nature Center and Park
Also, commissioners approve a 5K run this May to coincide with the ribbon cutting on "Phase One" of the UST Rail Trail.
A presentation for the re-use of township property was made at the Feb. 3 meeting of the Upper Saucon Township Park and Recreation Commission. Newly sworn-in commissioner Carolyn Lidie showed the commissioners her vision for adapting the property, which is located at the northeast corner of Old Bethlehem Pike and Preston Lane.
Lidie stated that the house on the property is in a state of deterioration and is an eyesore to those driving past. She suggested putting the building to “adaptive re-use” following a feasibility study to see if the building is structurally sound. If possible, it could be used for meeting space and educational purposes for various groups.
She also noted the property and building date back to the late 1800’s, and there could be quite a bit of history related to it.
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The property itself, she continued, could incorporate natural walking trails among flower gardens, trees, fields, and the Saucon Creek. Children would be able to study nature –plants, wildlife, fish, etc. Other opportunities for residents include bird watching, photographing, and painting nature on the property.
Commissioner Lee Kandt suggested a master plan be developed before presenting the adaptive re-use idea to the Upper Saucon Township Board of Supervisors.
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Additionally, the commissioners approved a request by the Kiwanis Club to hold a 5K race at Upper Saucon Township Community Park May 14 beginning at 8 a.m.
Following the race, at approximately 10 a.m., the Park and Recreation Commission will have a ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of the new walking/biking trail. This trail is the culmination of the Rails to Trails Project, which converted the inactive rail line that traveled through the southeast quadrant of the township into a walking/biking trail. Benefits of this trail include traveling without the use of a motor vehicle; improved health due to increased physical activity; and improved links between recreational areas, schools and homes.
Approval was also granted for the use of the park on April 16 for an Easter Egg Hunt by the Kiwanis Club.